Bethesda Archives - Page 119 of 262

Driver Hits Pedestrian Monday Evening on River Rd

Published November 6, 2023 at 7:43PM | Updated November 6, 2023 at 8:47PM

A driver struck a pedestrian at approximately 5:30pm on River Rd. at Newbridge Drive in Potomac on Monday evening, according to our public safety reporter Cordell Pugh. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services PIO Pete Piringer tweeted the following at 5:37pm, “River Road and Newbridge Drive, collision, involves pedestrian”.

According to Pugh, the pedestrian has been “transported to an area Trauma Center with serious injuries. Scene being held with River Road closed.” Alert Montgomery sent out the following Severe Traffic Alert at 6:32pm: “Collision reconstruction investigation closes both directions of River Rd (MD 190) at Newbridge Dr. This may be an extended incident. Expect significant delays. Seek an alternate route.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

The Holderness Family to Host Montgomery Mall’s Home for the Holidays Celebration on November 18; Rockapella to Perform

By Patrick Herron

Published November 6, 2023 at 1:43PM

Westfield Montgomery has announced details for this year’s ‘Home for the Holidays Celebration’ taking place on Saturday, November 18th. The event will be hosted by The Holderness Family (The Amazing Race, YouTube) and feature performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of DC’s, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and Rockapella. Full details below courtesy of Westfield Montgomery:

“Westfield Montgomery Mall is getting into the seasonal spirit with their Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting Celebration in support of Children’s National Hospital on Saturday, November 18. Award-winning content creators and best-selling authors, Penn and Kim Holderness of The Holderness Family will host the free celebration that welcomes the winter holidays. With over one billion views across social media, The Holderness Family will bring their signature brand of family comedy and joy to Bethesda, Maryland for the day. The duo are best known for winning Season 33 of The Amazing Race and chronicling their marriage and family life through hilarious videos for their eight million followers.

Police Looking to Identify Armed Bank Robber

By Patrick Herron

Published November 6, 2023 at 1:34PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating an armed bank robbery that occurred on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in the 9800 block of Falls Rd. in Potomac. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the male suspect and asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. At approximately 11:05 a.m., 1stDistrict officers responded to the location for the report of a bank robbery.

The investigation has revealed that the suspect entered the bank, approached the teller windows, displayed a black handgun and demanded money. The tellers handed over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect who then left the scene. Detectives reviewed the bank surveillance video and obtained a description of the suspect.

Over 1,500 People Have Signed A Petition to Save the Avenel Equestrian Center and Barn From Closing

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 11:20AM

Avenel Equestrian Center supporters have started a petition to save the facility and barn that they consider central to the Avenel neighborhood’s identity. According to the petition, which has garnered over 1,600 signatures as of November 6th, “WSSC has terminated the longstanding lease with the Equestrian Operator, effective December 1, 2023. The continuation of the Equestrian Facilities was contemplated and addressed in various recorded agreements since WSSC took ownership of the property. In good faith, and despite receiving no formal notice from WSSC relating to the lease termination, The Avenel Community Association, and Natelli Communities (successor to Rock Run, Avenel’s original developer) corresponded and met with WSSC officials, requesting that they reconsider their position and delay termination of the lease. Such a delay would provide the opportunity for constructive discussions between interested parties to identify a path forward that preserves the continued use of the Equestrian Facilities.” The full petition can be seen below:

“Please consider joining efforts to preserve the use of the Equestrian Facility and Barn that is central to Avenel’s identity and a significant historic feature in Potomac. To the Residents of The Avenel Community, Residents of Potomac, Maryland and other Interested Parties Concerning the Termination of the Lease for the Equestrian Facility by WSSC: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is the owner of approximately 170 acres of property within the Avenel community.

Woodward High School Reopening Update; Boundary Study Scope to Create Service Area Approved Earlier This Year

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 9:54AM

HESS construction has made plenty of progress at the upcoming Woodward High School at 11211 Old Georgetown Rd in Rockville, which will be used as a holding school/facility for current Northwood High School while their new high school building will be built between September 2024 and August 2027. Charles E. Woodward High School originally opened in 1966 and closed in 1987, when the decision to merge with Walter Johnson High School was made. Tilden Middle School moved into the previous building in 1991, where it remained until the new school opened a few years back. Photos of the progress of the new building, per HESS construction, can be seen below. The completed Woodward High School will officially reopen as its own school in September 2027, following a boundary study to determine which students will be attending the school.

On March 28, 2023, the Board of Education approved the boundary study scope to create the service area for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School. The scope of the boundary study includes the following high schools: Bethesda Chevy-Chase, Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, Walter Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Wheaton, and Walt Whitman. The scope also includes the following middle schools: Argyle, Eastern, A. Mario Loieder- man, Newport Mill, North Bethesda, Parkland, Thomas W. Pyle, Odessa Shannon, Silver Creek, Silver Spring International, Sligo, Takoma Park, Tilden, and Westland. No elementary schools are included in the boundary study. The boundary study process (community meetings, option development, feedback) is scheduled to take place between early 2024 and fall 2024. The boundary study report is scheduled to be released in early 2025, and the superintendent’s recommendation is scheduled to be released in winter 2025, followed by Board of Education work sessions, public hearings, and action on the superintendent’s recommendation.

Cabin John Village is Hosting a “Winter Wonderland” Family Event on Dec. 3

By MCS Staff

Published November 5, 2023 at 11:40PM

EDENS and the Cabin John Village shopping center (11325 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, MD) will be hosting a “Winter Wonderland” event on Sunday, December 3rd at the Community Green Space.

Per the event listing, “Bundle up and join us at Cabin John Village for a day of fun for all ages! Hot chocolate, live music, kids crafts + games+ more! Be sure to visit the special Milk Lady Holiday Farmer’s Market from 10am – 3pm. Support the community: bring a brand-new, unwrapped toy for the MHP Toy Drive.”

Lids Now Open in Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

Published November 5, 2023 at 10:58AM

Lids is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda. The store is located next to LEGO on the mall’s lower level. Lids is a “mall based, retail headwear” store that sells NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL licensed hats and merchandise. According to Westfield, “Get lettering or a unique design embroidered on you new find! Don’t want a flat brimmed hat? Lids will steam and curve the brim in house!”

Lids has additional Montgomery County locations at the Clarksburg Outlets, Ellsworth Place (Silver Spring), and Wheaton Mall. Click here to see a list businesses that are also coming soon to Montgomery Mall. Featured photo courtesy @lids on Instagram.

Hanaro Sushi to Become Newest Kusshi Sushi Restaurant

By MCS Staff

Published November 4, 2023 at 2:39PM

Hanaro Sushi, located at 7820 Norfolk Ave in Bethesda, is currently undergoing renovations that will result in a change to the owners’ other concept, Kusshi Sushi. The restaurant began renovating earlier this year, remaining open for carryout and delivery only, but will have a new look and name when it reopens. Hanaro owner Wesley Yao took over the restaurant, which has been open since 2008, back in late 2016. The restaurant has continued to operate as Hanaro ever since.

Kusshi Sushi also officially signed on to take over the space that was home to popular sushi restaurant Sushi Damo at 36G Maryland Ave in Rockville Town Square for over 15 years. Sushi Damo, one of the first tenants of Rockville Town Square, closed permanently on October 1st.

NYC’s Chip City Cookies Opens First DMV Area Location

By MCS Staff

Published November 4, 2023 at 9:12AM

Last November, we let you know that New York‘s Chip City will be opening its first Maryland location at the Shoppes of Bethesda, replacing Fancy Cakes By Leslie at 4939 Elm St. Fancy Cakes by Leslie closed in October 2022. The new store opened to plenty of fanfare, as customers and social media influencers alike have been posting their experiences at the new shop.

Five years ago, cookies were a side hustle for Theodore Gailas and Peter Phillips. Since then, they’ve opened over a dozen Chip City cookie shops in and around New York with plans to expand outside of the area. Chip City is expected to rapidly expand, with over 20 stores expected to open in 2023. According to Forbes, The rollout plan will be supported by the founder of fast casual restaurant Shake Shack, Danny Meyer, who recently invested $10 million in the cookies.

Police Investigating September Collison That Killed Bethesda Woman

By Patrick Herron

Published November 3, 2023 at 8:33PM

Per the Prince George’s County Police Department: “The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision that occurred in the unincorporated section of Upper Marlboro. The deceased driver is 71-year-old Alena Mirshahi of Bethesda. The collision occurred in late September. On November 2, 2023, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death was caused by injuries suffered during the crash.

On September 22, 2023, at approximately 9:00 am, officers responded to the 900 block of Harry S Truman Drive for a single-vehicle collision. The driver was transported to a hospital with critical injuries. She was pronounced deceased a short time later. The preliminary investigation revealed Mirshahi was traveling on Harry S Truman Drive, when for reasons under investigation, she lost control, left the roadway and collided with a building. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301-731-4422.

Open Houses on the Future of the Interstate 495/270 Corridor and American Legion Bridge Begin November 13

By MCS Staff

Published November 3, 2023 at 6:30AM | Updated November 12, 2023 at 10:39AM

The Maryland Department of Transportation will host a series of open houses, including one in Rockville, to engage the public about improvements to the Interstate 495/270 corridor from the American Legion Bridge to Frederick.

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